DON'T MISS A THING

From the moment we arrived at Lisbon’s Palácio do Governador, traditional Portuguese warmth enveloped us. Set just across the street from the Torre de Belém landmark, a medieval tower on the bank of the Tagus River, the hotel’s historical richness and easy luxury promise a memorable stay.

A Hotel Built on History

Palácio do Governador (Governor’s Palace in English) is a historic, palatial building offering 60 unique rooms. The property is located in the historic center of Belém, one of the most exquisite and culturally rich neighborhoods in Lisbon. The hotel itself is built upon history, as it sits on the site of the former house of the governor of the Tower of Belém.

The residence has been lovingly restored and is built upon Roman ruins dating from between the 1st and 5th centuries. You can truly feel the history beneath your feet. When entering through the courtyard, the view is of cetárias, stone tubs that the ancient Romans in the area would use to make their fish sauce.

Ancient Roman cetárias (L) and the courtyard at Palácio do Governador

The hotel’s lobby and reception area are located in what used to be the governor’s private Chapel. The interiors are crafted with original Portuguese-style blue and white tiles, rich leather, wood paneling, and carved detailing, along with double-level ceilings.

Genuine historical and architectural value is evident on each of the five floors, from the original domed ceilings of the restaurant to the succession of arches of the ground-floor rooms to the wainscoting tiles in the living rooms and suites. The hotel also features exclusive and distinguished décor by the Portuguese interior designer Nini Andrade e Silva.

Lobby and Bar Areas at Palácio do Governador

The Accommodations

The rooms at Palácio do Governador are spacious, comfortable, and charming, with a touch of history all around. Equally important, each room is designed with unique and beautiful taste, including some with original 17th-century paneled ceilings. South-facing rooms have a privileged view of the Tower of Belém and the Tagus River (our favorite!)

Each room is distinctly beautiful in decor and design.

The proximity of Palácio do Governador to cultural monuments, landmarks, art and history museums, and the Tagus River makes it an easy choice for anyone who wants to stay in Lisbon and see it all.

Signature Dining from Chef Vera Silva at Ânfora

Restaurant Ânfora is a true culinary experience of Portugal. With local flavors like garoupa or
novilho beef, we thoroughly enjoyed the immersive Portuguese dinner experience, which included the wonderful telling of the story of the hotel by the kind and welcoming hosts. The architecture of the main restaurant room is especially eye-catching with its original domed ceilings.

Chef Vera Silva designed the menu, and all of the dishes remind us of the importance of aesthetics when it comes to food: flowers and colors all around. The décor is beautiful and discrete, with a soft musical ambiance. A moment we savor!

The restaurant also serves breakfast, with a rich buffet and show cooking.

The SPA Experience

Our favorite part of the hotel’s many amenities is the boutique SPA of Palácio do Governador. Under the courtyard, the 1,200 sq meter SPA sports the Roman Walls from the 1st to 5th century and features a
heated 25-meter indoor pool with dynamic jets and chromotherapy. Additionally, it offers access to a sauna, Turkish bath, Scottish shower, Vichy shower, 3 massage/treatment rooms, and a gym. The spa capitalizes on the ancient thermal traditions of Mediterranean cultures and we love every bit of it!

Indoor pool at SPA in Palácio do Governador.

The massage offerings are another can’t-miss luxury experience, full of rituals that finish with hot and spicy tea. From the massage rooms, one can enjoy a view of the blue and sensorial indoor swimming pool.

This hotel is a treat to experience while visiting the Portuguese capital. We know we want to return to it again and again, so we can only guess you will feel the same!

Book Your Visit Now!

Words by Ines Romba & Bridget Kitson
All Images Courtesy of Nau Hotels Palácio do Governador

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